What ideology promoted the belief in the inevitable progress of society through technological innovation and capitalist principles in the 19th century?

The belief in inevitable societal progress through technological innovation and capitalist principles in the 19th century is fundamentally rooted in capitalism. This economic system is characterized by private ownership of production, capital accumulation, competitive markets, and the pursuit of profit. Capitalism fosters an environment where technological advancements are encouraged, leading to increased productivity and wealth generation. The 19th century saw significant innovations such as the steam engine, cotton gin, and advancements in manufacturing processes, which not only transformed industries but also societal structures, contributing to an overarching narrative of progress.

Capitalists and proponents of capitalist principles believed that as economies transitioned to industrialization, society at large would benefit from increased efficiency, technological progress, and overall economic growth, leading to improved standards of living. This period was marked by the notion that individual self-interest, when pursued within a free market, would lead to collective benefits, aligning with the core ideas of capitalist ideology.

In contrast, socialism emphasizes collective ownership and societal welfare over individual profit, often critiquing the inequalities produced by capitalism. Liberalism, while advocating for individual rights and freedoms, does not focus explicitly on progress through technological innovation. Utilitarianism, while concerned with the greatest happiness for the greatest number, is more a philosophical approach to ethics than a